Olly’ Return Only A Week Away

The race riding return of Damien Oliver may be only a week away as he continues his quick recovery from hip surgery.

While the surgery wasn’t major the location of the problem can cause obvious inconvenience for someone who spends their life crouched on top of a horse.

Despite this Oliver returned to the track yesterday and successfully completed four jump-outs at Caulfield.

It was his first real test on his hip which had bone fragments removed from it only six weeks ago.

Oliver used the time not just to recharge his body but also his mind and acted as somewhat of a holiday after a long year.

“I had time in Perth with the family and that was great. I did a lot of swimming – and taught the kids how to swim,” he said.

While he worked hard he also worked with good results winning ten stakes races which included a Group 1 double on Derby Day with Glass Harmonium in the Mackinnon Stakes and Hurtle Myrtle in the Myer Classic.

His rehab has gone perfectly to plan so far and Oliver says he’s keen to go as soon as he’s given the all clear.

“I had the operation six weeks ago and everything is great,” he said.

“I’m 58kg and want to return at about 55kg, so that is another consideration about the exact date of my return.”

In terms of pain Oliver says apart from climbing stairs he barely feels his hip at all.

Joining Oliver back on course in the next few weeks will be Glen Boss who is making a steady return from his broken shoulder.

Boss rode trackwork at Caulfield last week but has chosen to have this week off as he eases his way back into it.